Visitors’ Experiences

Preservation as a Celebration: 125 Years of Mount Rainier National Park

2024 marks the 125th birthday of Mount Rainier National Park! Join WNPF as we highlight the importance of taking care of this park. Included are projects that donors have funded and events for the park's birthday.

Backcountry Beginners: Selecting and Setting Up Your Winter Campsite

So you're ready to experience the joys of winter snow camping? Our third installment of winter camping tips talks about how to select and set up your camp site in the snow at Wahington's national parks!

Backcountry Beginners: How to Secure a Mount Rainier Backcountry Permit

With nearly two million visitors to the park every year, many seek out backcountry park experiences when they’re in search of solitude. Usually, overnight camping or backpacking in the backcountry requires some advanced planning. Start here if you want to camp in the backcountry of Mount Rainier!

Backcountry Beginners: How to Secure a North Cascades Backcountry Permit

The North Cascades is a backpacker's paradise! If you’re interested in experiencing overnight camping or backpacking in the backcountry of the North Cascades Complex, you’ll want to do some advanced planning. This is a great place to start!

Backcountry Beginners: How to Secure an Olympic Backcountry Permit

From the Hoh Rain Forest to the Pacific coast and into the peaks of the Olympics, this park welcomes nearly three million people every year, so it’s no wonder backcountry experiences away from crowds are a popular choice. Learn how to secure a permit at Olympic National Park!

When Nature Calls: “Restoring Paradise” at Mount Rainier

Investing in the visitor experience at Mount Rainier’s most cherished – and most visited – location is a critical project in our multi-year Together for the parks campaign. See the work that is underway for the essential restroom facilities in the Paradise area.

Cultivating Change: The Impact of the Food Sustainability Project in North Cascades National Park

The impact of the Food Sustainability project stands as a testament to the power of collaborative efforts in fostering community resilience and environmental stewardship within the North Cascades. See that progress that has been made at the park and its gateway communities.

Backcountry Beginners: Essential Gear and Pro Tips for Winter Camping

So you're ready to experience the joys of winter snow camping? Our second installment of winter camping tips talks about the gear you need for a successful trip. Be sure to stay tuned for more winter camping blogs this season!

The Ultimate Guide to the Every Kid Outdoors 4th Grade Pass

Calling all 4th graders: You can see America's natural wonders and historic sites for free! The Every Kid Outdoors initiative provides a year-long pass for U.S. fourth-grade (or home-school equivalent) students to visit our federal parks, lands, and waters - that includes Washington's three national parks. This guide walks you...